News Release

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

7-Year-Old Boy Struck and Critically Injured by Hit & Run Driver

Suspect Now in Custody

UPDATE: On Dec. 3, 2008, detectives from the LAPD South Traffic Division arrested a suspect they believe is responsible for a hit and run traffic incident that seriously injured a 7-year-old boy who chased a ball into the street in the 6900 block of Estrella Avenue. The suspect has been identified as 41-year-old Maria Del Carmen Trujillo of Los Angeles. She is in custody for a felony hit and run offense and her bail has been set for $50,000.

Los Angeles: South Traffic Detectives are requesting the public’s help in finding the person who ran over and critically injured a 7-year-old boy early Monday evening.

On December 1, 2008, at around 6:00 p.m., the boy had chased a ball into the street in the 6900 block of Estrella Avenue and was hit by a gray minivan. The driver, a Female Hispanic, 35-40 years of age, initially stopped and got out of her vehicle, but quickly reentered it and sped away without identifying herself or rendering aid as is required by law.

The boy, whose name has not been released, was transported to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Anyone with information is urged to contact South Traffic Division Detectives Jimmy Render or Rodney Jones at 213-485-7336 or 323-290-6063. After-hours and on weekends calls may be directed to the 24-hour, toll-free number, 1-877-LAPD24-7 (527-3247) or texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with LAPD. Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website, and can remain anonymous.